Colorstruck: Lip color drives category sales

Women’s love affair with lip color is still going strong as the segment continues to enjoy an upswing in sales and an onslaught of new products.

Taking its cue from fashion runways and keeping in line with the nail color trend, lip color remains on the upswing. And those lipsticks that tout moisturizing benefits and long wear are proving to be especially popular.

According to IRI, sales of lipstick rose more than 7% for the 52 weeks ended Jan. 26 at total U.S. multi-outlets. The growth in lip color also is helping to drive sales of lip liner, which saw a sales boost of 2.2% during the same period.

As anticipated, nude and orange shades are currently the rage. For example, earlier this year Maybelline New York Introduced The Buffs by Color Sensational. The Buffs feature a new take on nude with 12 tones ranging from blanched creams to ashen espressos. The color promises to be creamy, bold and impactful thanks to its honey nectar-infused formula.

And, Rimmel London is launching in July its Moisture Renew Lipstick in 24 shades, such as Nude Delight, Notting Hill Nude and Let’s Get Naked. Rimmel London also is launching in July an innovative clear lip liner, dubbed Moisture Renew Liner, to help stop smudging and bleeding in its tracks.